Grandma Got Runover by a Reindeer

Grandma and Grandpa were determine to visit Anna for Christmas and see the new house. Like the postal service, neither rain, wind, nor sleet and snow, or in their case two icestorms and three deer could keep them away. Grandpa decided early on that he would rather drive than risk an airline flight out of Detroit (and possibly a car buried in snow at the airport parking lot upon their return). After this trip, he may think differently.

The problems started the week before their planned departure when Grandma and Grandpa hit two deer while on their way home from a shopping trip (probably with gifts for Anna). Fortunately, they were o.k; although the deer did not fair so well. The car was definitely not in good shape (to the tune of several thousand dollars in damage) and was towed. Of course this was the same vehicle they were planning to drive to see Anna. Grandpa decided that they would get a rental car. This task also proved challenging as the recent ice storms had left the rental car lots vacant. Finally, they obtained a car the day before their scheduled departure -- only to be hit with another icestorm. They finally escaped the arctic chill and made their way over the river and through the woods in their Chevy Malibu.

When they arrived, they spent the weekend assisting us with countless home projects (Grandpa is the equivalent of a Home Depot representative visiting our house). Grandma helped hang curtains and pictures. The end result was the unpacking of the remaining boxes and at last a homey feeling. In between, we took them out for dim sum (thanks to Sue for serving as our dim sum tour guide) and did some shopping. Grandpa made roughly 73 trips to Home Depot. He is on a first name basis with several clerks. Anna enjoyed playing with her Grandparents and assisted Grandpa in some of the repair work.

On Tuesday, Grandma and Grandpa planned to return to Ohio until receiving a call from a neighbor alerting them of a blizzard warning. After much discussion and lacking a dogsled team, the decided to stay an extra day. This worked out well for all involved as Grandpa completed more repairs and Anna got to play with Grandma and go to Home Depot with Grandpa. That night, the weather forecast looked clear for the mountains with snow showers in Ohio. Seeing an opportunity and anxious to return to the sub-zero weather, they departed for Ohio Wednesday. All was fine until the reached West Virginia and it began to snow. By the time they reached Ohio, the "snow showers" had turned into a full blown winter storm warning. With the interstate iced up, countless accidents, and a top speed of 25 mph, they pulled off and were able to get a hotel room. On Thursday, they continued on their journey at 50 mph with gusty winds and blowing snow. They finally arrived home after the two-day trek.

A big thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for all of their work and perseverance. We look forward to their next visit....by airplane.